Ko wai matou · About us
Hauora Waka Uplift is a community trust using waka ama and kaupapa Maori to strengthen wellbeing, leadership and connection across Tauranga Moana.
Ta matou whainga · Our mission
Everything we do is grounded in kaupapa Maori values and the mauri of the moana. Time on the water builds confidence, belonging and a stronger sense of who you are.
To matou ropu · Meet the team
Founder · Trustee · NZ waka ama paddler · 2022 World Champion
Teacher and coach at Tauranga Boys' College. After a rugby career was cut short by a frontal-lobe brain injury, waka ama gave Mitch purpose, fitness and connection. He founded HWU to give back to others searching for the what now.
Trustee · Kaiako · Pacific Voyager
Howard brings military experience, decades of sport, waka hourua voyaging and a deep connection to water, environment and indigenous stories.
Trustee · Educator · Instructor
Michael brings 30 years in tertiary and industry standards, plus experience as a swimming, surf and waka ama instructor. His qualifications include a Masters in Indigenous Knowledge.
